Cheryl’s debut single is number one

Cheryl Cole has stormed to the top of the charts as her debut single as a solo artist went straight in at number one.

Cole, 26, knocked X Factor winner Alexandra Burke from top spot with her single Fight For This Love.

Cheryl Cole’s debut single as a solo artist has gone straight in at number one in the UK chart

But Alexandra still had reasons to smile as her long player Overcome claimed number one spot in the album chart.

X Factor judge Cole was predicted to gain top spot after she wowed the ITV talent show audience last week when performing the song for the first time.

After the performance Simon Cowell told her: “It’s really going to pain me to have to say this but that was incredible. That was an incredible routine, great performance and unfortunately you’re going to be number one next week.”

Burke held on to second spot in the singles chart with her song Bad Boys featuring US rap superstar Flo Rida.

Elsewhere, soul diva Whitney Houston forced her way into the top 10 with her single Million Dollar Bill claiming fifth spot. She had also previewed the song on X Factor but suffered a wardrobe malfunction when a strap on her dress snapped open.

It was a busy week in the album charts with six new entries in the top ten. Canadian singer Michael Buble took second spot behind Burke with his long player Crazy Love. Buble completes the X Factor connection after he spent several days helping the contestants.

Whitney Houston took third place, capping an excellent week for her with the record I Look To You.

American bluesman Seasick Steve claimed fourth spot with Man From Another Time. And rockers Fleetwood Mac made a welcome return to the top ten with their greatest hits compilation The Very Best Of in at six.